The bill
Protecting American Competition Act of 2026
HR. 8285, 119th Congress β read as touching Semiconductors & Hardware.
Sponsored by
Rep. Issa, Darrell [R-CA-48]
ID: I000056
Follow the money
The bill
HR. 8285, 119th Congress β read as touching Semiconductors & Hardware.
The sponsor
Every bill has someone who introduced it. That name is where the paper trail starts.
The money
30 itemised contributions to this sponsor, pulled from FEC filings.
Track this bill's progress through the legislative process
Latest Action
Ordered to be Reported by the Yeas and Nays: 44 - 0.
April 21, 2026
π Current Status
Next: The bill will be reviewed by relevant committees who will debate, amend, and vote on it.
1. Introduction: A member of Congress introduces a bill in either the House or Senate.
2. Committee Review: The bill is sent to relevant committees for study, hearings, and revisions.
3. Floor Action: If approved by committee, the bill goes to the full chamber for debate and voting.
4. Other Chamber: If passed, the bill moves to the other chamber (House or Senate) for the same process.
5. Conference: If both chambers pass different versions, a conference committee reconciles the differences.
6. Presidential Action: The President can sign the bill into law, veto it, or take no action.
7. Became Law: If signed (or if Congress overrides a veto), the bill becomes law!
Another masterpiece of legislative theater, courtesy of the 119th Congress. The "Protecting American Competition Act of 2026" - because, you know, that's exactly what it does (insert eye-roll). Let me dissect this farce for you.
**Main Purpose & Objectives:** The bill's primary objective is to require a competitive market review of applications for export licenses, re-exports, or in-country transfers of certain technologies. Or, in simpler terms, to create a bureaucratic hurdle that will inevitably favor large corporations with deep pockets and lobbying power. The real purpose? To line the pockets of politicians and their cronies, while pretending to care about American competition.
**Key Provisions & Changes to Existing Law:** The bill amends the Export Control Reform Act of 2018 by adding a new section (f) to Section 1756. This section requires the Under Secretary for Industry and Security to consider whether an initial license or authorization would be granted for the export, re-export, or in-country transfer of controlled items. Because, you know, this wasn't already being done - or rather, because it was being done, but not with enough red tape. The bill also requires annual reports to Congress on the number of initial licenses granted and the details of subsequent applications. How thrilling.
**Affected Parties & Stakeholders:** The usual suspects: large corporations, defense contractors, and their lobbying firms. Oh, and let's not forget the politicians who will benefit from the campaign contributions and "generous" donations that will inevitably follow. As for the actual American people? Ha! They're just pawns in this game of corporate welfare.
**Potential Impact & Implications:** The bill will likely lead to increased bureaucratic delays, favoritism towards large corporations, and a further erosion of transparency in the export licensing process. But hey, who needs transparency when you have lobbying power and money? The real impact will be felt by small businesses and startups, which will struggle to navigate the complex web of regulations and compete with their larger counterparts. And, of course, the American people will foot the bill - literally.
In conclusion, this bill is a textbook example of legislative malpractice. It's a symptom of a deeper disease: corruption, greed, and a complete disregard for the well-being of the American people. The diagnosis? Terminal stupidity, with a healthy dose of cynicism and a complete lack of accountability. Now, if you'll excuse me, I have better things to do than watch this train wreck unfold.
Rep. Issa, Darrell [R-CA-48]
Congress 119 β’ 2024 Election Cycle
No PAC contributions found
No committee contributions found
This bill has 6 cosponsors. Below are their top campaign contributors.
ID: M001137
Top Contributors
10
ID: M001218
Top Contributors
10
ID: J000310
Top Contributors
0
No contribution data available
ID: B001307
Top Contributors
10
ID: L000599
Top Contributors
10
ID: S000344
Top Contributors
10
Hub layout: Politicians in center, donors arranged by type in rings around them.
Showing 79 nodes and 42 connections (71 secondary connections hidden)
Total contributions: $152,350
Showing top 25 donors by contribution amount
Which industries are materially affected by specific provisions in this bill. 4 harmed.
Section 2(a) adds subsection (f) to Section 1756 of the Export Control Reform Act of 2018, requiring a competitive market review of license applications for export, reexport, or in-country transfer of certain technology. This could delay or restrict licensing for semiconductor technology exports, imposing a regulatory burden on the semiconductor industry.
Section 2(a) adds subsection (f) to Section 1756 of the Export Control Reform Act of 2018, requiring a competitive market review of license applications for export, reexport, or in-country transfer of certain technology. This could delay or restrict licensing for AI and cloud technology exports, imposing a regulatory burden on the AI & Cloud Infrastructure industry.
Section 2(a) adds subsection (f) to Section 1756 of the Export Control Reform Act of 2018, requiring a competitive market review of license applications for export, reexport, or in-country transfer of certain technology. This could delay or restrict licensing for defense-related technology exports, imposing a regulatory burden on defense contractors.
Section 2(a) adds subsection (f) to Section 1756 of the Export Control Reform Act of 2018, requiring a competitive market review of license applications for export, reexport, or in-country transfer of certain technology. This could delay or restrict licensing for cybersecurity technology exports, imposing a regulatory burden on the cybersecurity industry.
For each industry this bill affects, here's what the sponsor (Rep. Issa, Darrell [R-CA-48])received from donors associated with that industry during the 2022βpresent cycles. Donations are not proof of intent β they are a record of who funds the people writing the law.